Before 'Gutthi', Sunil Grover earned just Rs. 500 a month
Sunil Grover, known for his roles like Gutthi, Mashoor Gulati, etc, recently revealed the struggle he faced in the industry. The comedian-cum-actor said that while he enjoys his moment of success now, it wasn't a cakewalk for him. In fact, before Gutthi from Comedy Nights With Kapil happened and made him a household name, Sunil used to earn a measly Rs. 500 a month.
How a chief guest at his school's function appreciated him
Sunil, while talking to Humans Of Bombay, shared that he was passionate about acting since his childhood, and was appreciated for his mimicry and acting skills in school. Recalling an incident from those days, Sunil said, "I remember when I was in 12th and took part in a drama competition, the chief guest said that I shouldn't participate because it was unfair to others!"
Sunil's first year in Mumbai was all about parties
Later, Sunil moved to Mumbai but his first year in the city was all about parties. The Bharat actor lived in a posh area back then and exhausted all of his savings. "I would only earn around Rs. 500 a month. But I thought I didn't have to worry because I'd be successful and would earn more soon," Sunil quipped.
When a demotivated Sunil got the ultimate push
But it didn't take him long to realize that "there were many others like me, who were the superstars of their town -- and strugglers in Mumbai." This harsh reality check left him demotivated, especially since he had no income. That time, he recalled how his father regretted not following his passion, and that give him the push. Sunil chose not to give up.
Sunil's father wanted to be a radio announcer
"I remembered how when my father was young, he wanted to become a radio announcer and even had an offer letter. But because my grandfather was against it, he had to work at a bank, and regretted it," Sunil recalled.
Sunil was abruptly kicked out of a TV show
Taking lesson from his father's life, Sunil gave his luck another chance. "I picked up the pieces, I took help from my friends, and started rigorously looking for work," he added. Gradually, he did get work and also got a role in a TV show. But, much to his surprise, he was later kicked out of the show abruptly without being given a reason.
I was never told why, Sunil on being ousted abruptly
"We'd even shot for a couple of days. But one day, I stopped getting my call time to come on set. When I asked the production guys, they said I'd been kicked out of the show. I was never told why," Sunil said.
Sud on Radio Mirchi became Sunil's first shot to fame
However, much to his luck, Sunil still had projects in hand since he was known for his voiceovers. "I realized how fortunate I was and regained my strength bit by bit," he mentioned. It was then that he got a radio show as Sud on Radio Mirchi in Delhi, which became popular. Soon it was aired across India and was loved by listeners.
The audience was literally roaring for me, recalls Sunil
In 2013, Gutthi from CNWK came his way and he became famous in no time. "I remember how I was called on a live show. When I entered the stage, the audience was literally roaring for me! I turned around to make sure there wasn't anyone behind me, whom they were actually clapping for, but it was all for me," he asserted.
"The young boy thought he could conquer the world"
"It took several moments, to bring back that young boy in me, who thought that he could conquer the world. The young boy who used to make sure that everyone was entertained. The young boy who didn't let failures dim his dreams," Sunil wrapped up.
